Introducing a new feature for those curious about what’s happening on the golf course! Beechwood Turf Talk will be a short monthly write up, by your golf course superintendent, about all things related to greens, grounds, maintenance, projects, progress, weather, and maybe even soil conditions. Hopefully you will check it out, possibly learn a little something about growing grass, and have a better understanding of what we are doing to make Beechwood the most enjoyable golfing facility around and ultimately a more beautiful setting for years to come.
So first of all, I would like to thank the many members who have taken the time to speak with me over the past 6 months. All of you have made me feel very welcome here at Beechwood. It has been my pleasure to not only work for you, but in some cases, work with you. The show of support by those who took the time to volunteer during the clean-up efforts after the hurricane truly warmed my heart. This club is a special place, and I am looking forward to getting to know more of you over time.
Many of you have stopped me to ask questions about the golf course. Keep them coming! I enjoy answering your questions in person and getting to know you in the process. For those of you that may be curious, but couldn’t flag me down, here are some answers to frequently asked questions:
What was that blue stuff you were spraying?
If you see blue color coming out of my sprayer do not be alarmed. What you are seeing is called spray indicator. It is a highly water soluble, blue dye we add to the sprayer tank or foam marker so we can more easily determine exactly where an application has been made. This improves accuracy and subsequently efficacy of a product that has been applied. It does not stain clothing or skin.
So, what’s in the tank, and will it hurt me?
If you see me spraying greens, most of the time I am spraying fertilizer or fungicide, or a combination of the two. Very rarely will I spray an herbicide on the greens. No, it will not hurt you. I always comply with all safety regulations and procedures listed on the label for any product applied. Most fungicides used on turfgrass are also used in fruit and vegetable production. So, in theory, you have a better chance of fungicide exposure in your refrigerator than you do on the golf course.
What’s going on with all the sod, new bunkers, bare ground, new tees, etc?
Since my tenure began in August of last year a great many physical changes have taken place around the golf course. It is my understanding that a lot of changes and hard work took place long before I came into the picture. Credit must be given where it is due. My predecessor left a lot of things in great shape, and made my transition into this position very easy. That work continues as more changes are made.
Most of you will notice new blue tees on a number of holes. While we seek to make the game of golf accessible and inviting to everyone, we also hope to challenge anyone willing and able to take their game to the next level. With advances in golf ball and golf club technology, golfers can now hit the ball further than ever before. By adding the blue tees we hope to accommodate for these advances and keep Beechwood challenging and relevant in this age of progress.
This winter has been a great opportunity for us to rework #7 fairway and green complex. We have tried to accomplish 2 goals with the same action on #7. First we hoped to make the hole more interesting, both visually and from the standpoint of playability. Second, we sought to improve drainage. Our first goal will be accomplished by adding irrigation to the fairway and tee areas, removing overgrown and unnecessary trees, and adding sufficient drainage. The depression on the left of the green now drains, not only the green surround and approach, but also the low lying area of the fairway near the green. Some of the area has been sodded, but the fairway remains bare. After irrigation is installed this spring, those bare areas will be sprigged with Tifway 419 bermudagrass. If all plans are executed as expected we should have number 7 fairway closed for 4 to 6 weeks after irrigation is installed. After that you’ll have a beautiful new fairway to compliment a renovated green complex. I will be sure to keep you updated as progress continues.
Number 5 green complex was updated and renovated to make the hole more visually appealing and to improve drainage in the sand traps. Trees were removed to improve exposure to sunlight. The variety of grass on our greens, Champion Bermuda, loves sunlight and air movement. Trees tend to facilitate neither.
Whew, that sounds like a lot, and it is! Be sure to thank the guys on the crew when you see them, give them a thumbs up if you appreciate their work. They work hard every day to make everything happen.
Stay tuned for more updates. Next time I’ll give you some information about golf green maintenance, nematodes in the soil, and more. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to stop me, send me an email, or give me a call if you have questions. I’ll be happy to take the time to speak with you. Now, get out there and enjoy your beautiful golf course, that’s what it’s all about.
See you on the course!
Buckley Brockmann
Golf Course Superintendent
bbrockmann@beechwoodcc.com
